================
Pay me a visit at my new site... www.samperry.com
Thanks!
================
Richmond Night Life
With the last couple of days having been long ones on the computer and tomorrow a long wedding shoot, which means more long hours in front of the computer, Kim and I were happy to entertain her family while they are in town for the weekend. One of our favorite things to do for visiting friends/family is to take them to any one of the multitude of incredible restaurants in Richmond.
Tonight we started talking about Tapas for dinner and then could not get it off our minds. So decision made. Tapas for dinner. That left only one place to go. Europa. One of our all-time favs. This is the restaurant where I took Kim on our first date almost 10 years ago. We still love eating there and thinking about our first date.
The food has not changed much (which, is a good thing - a very good thing) even though the menu has expanded a bit. A great wine selection and even better food. Ah, the choices are almost too much. The more people that go to dinner, usually the better. Everyone orders a couple Tapas and everyone else gets to try a taste. Such varied flavors, and very satisfying.
After dinner we took a stroll around downtown to see 'Inlight', an annual event usually associated with First Friday's - also known as Art Night where downtown galleries open their doors and a street festival takes shape. As usual, there was some interesting sights and entertainers out for the night. Nice material for some urban photography. We didn't stay long, but were able to walk around enough to burn off most of our delicious dinner and wine.
Richmond certainly has it's share of things to offer if you just look around a little. I am looking forward to another season of First Fridays this fall with new art and lots of sights on the streets.Check out some of last year's usual entertainment - Richmond Burners.
Aloha.
Tonight we started talking about Tapas for dinner and then could not get it off our minds. So decision made. Tapas for dinner. That left only one place to go. Europa. One of our all-time favs. This is the restaurant where I took Kim on our first date almost 10 years ago. We still love eating there and thinking about our first date.
The food has not changed much (which, is a good thing - a very good thing) even though the menu has expanded a bit. A great wine selection and even better food. Ah, the choices are almost too much. The more people that go to dinner, usually the better. Everyone orders a couple Tapas and everyone else gets to try a taste. Such varied flavors, and very satisfying.
After dinner we took a stroll around downtown to see 'Inlight', an annual event usually associated with First Friday's - also known as Art Night where downtown galleries open their doors and a street festival takes shape. As usual, there was some interesting sights and entertainers out for the night. Nice material for some urban photography. We didn't stay long, but were able to walk around enough to burn off most of our delicious dinner and wine.
Richmond certainly has it's share of things to offer if you just look around a little. I am looking forward to another season of First Fridays this fall with new art and lots of sights on the streets.Check out some of last year's usual entertainment - Richmond Burners.
Aloha.
Beach Wedding Bridal Portraits
To me, one of the best parts of beach wedding photography is the bridal portraits. This is when the Photogrpher and Bride are removed from the sometimes hectic atmosphere of the wedding day. Most traditional bridal portraits tend to follow a certain style of formal posing. With beach weddings, the style is often a little less formal - as beach weddings should be. I try and keep an element of formality, but the essence of a beach wedding can really come through with a less formal style.
So whenever I get a chance to shoot portraits on the beach I like to try many different poses as long as the bride is up to it and comfortable. Most brides are open to a photographer's createive ideas, and working with a relaxed bride always makes my job easier. Then, if the other factors fall into place the shoot goes that much better.
With these shots, the light was just about perfect and the setting was ideal. I hardly used fill flash on these, except for a few that I was working to make the bride really stand off from the background, since the evening sunset provided a wonderful warm glow. I have been wanting to shoot in the sea oats that grow in the dunes on Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I have had ideas swirling around that I finally got to test.
I was very happy with the results after this shoot. Wedding photography can be a little stressful at times and keeping the bride (and photographer) relaxed is important. When you do get one that is at ease, the job goes much smoother.
Working on more weddings in the Outer Banks I am excited to see what opportunities I can create with the endless beauty of the area.
Aloha.
Kite boarding in Cape Hatteras
After a long wait for ridable wind, it seemed like a long wait, more like a couple of days, the wind picked up and people were on the water getting their fix. While waiting (and hoping) for the wind to build a little bit more, I took my camera into the shallow waters of Kite Point in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina to shoot a couple girls that were throwing some nice moves. Not having a water housing for my camera(s) limits my shooting abilities near and around water. So I continiue to work in knee to waist deep water praying that nothing bad happens.
One of the girls is local rider Wendi Palmer. Ever since meeting Wendi a few years ago, she is constantly improving her riding and still rides better than most guys on the island - including me(!?!).
Another rider out that day is Kris Kinn of the Best Kiteboarding team.
This was a light wind day in Cape Hatteras but the girls were able to still develop some explosive moves on the water. They made for great photography subjects.
Always fun getting on the water in some form or fashion. I did manage to get out and ride for a little while but the wind died shortly after me getting my 'fix'. Another beautiful day on Cape Hatteras.
Aloha.
Welcome back to Cape Hatteras
After a hectic week catching back up in Richmond, VA working on the house, yard, job, wedding photography, and some mountain biking, I came back to Hatteras last night.
Being a weather junkie, I have been watching the Island's weather from Richmond, and the weather has been a little crazy down here the past few days.
Northerly winds have been kicking up a decent swell and lots of rain has been dumping all over the island. News reports indicates somewhere 8"-9" between yesterday and this morning. This made the morning commute somewhat more interesting.
All of the water on the roads (and yards, parking lots, and just about everywhere) was from rain. Not storm surge or swell. All rain.
Luckily the Subaru made it through with no problems. I was more than a little late getting to work, but that is part of life here on the sandbar.
Aloha.
Being a weather junkie, I have been watching the Island's weather from Richmond, and the weather has been a little crazy down here the past few days.
Northerly winds have been kicking up a decent swell and lots of rain has been dumping all over the island. News reports indicates somewhere 8"-9" between yesterday and this morning. This made the morning commute somewhat more interesting.
All of the water on the roads (and yards, parking lots, and just about everywhere) was from rain. Not storm surge or swell. All rain.
Luckily the Subaru made it through with no problems. I was more than a little late getting to work, but that is part of life here on the sandbar.
Aloha.
Back in the RVA
I am a little behind in posting the past few days. Things are a tad hectic now that I am back in Richmond, The River City for a week or so. Spending two months away from home with only one visit back to shoot a wedding has put the house (and maybe Kim too) in a 'spot of bother'. How is it that our new house decides to start showing its age (5 years young) during the few weeks I am in Cape Hatteras working?
For one, our water heater died. Two, the downstairs heat pump fan stopped working, the outdoor shower plumbing failed. Oh, and two outside electrical outlets are dead. Really? I thought we were done with this kind of stuff after selling our old houses. Ah, home ownership. Makes you want to rent again, eh?
With Kim having to take care of the house issues, juggle her demanding job, shuttle herself back and forth between Hatteras and Richmond, she is just about done. I can't say I blame her either. She has been able to take care of most of the problems, but it was high time that I came back and helped her out. I think she was over hearing how much surfing and kiting I was doing while she played the grown up. So I took her mountain biking. Well with 30 of our close friends.
I have to say, I missed good 'ol Richmond. Nothing like sitting in traffic staring at the back of an overgrown SUV with stickers plastered all over it like they are a sponsored athlete. What is up with the stickers on cars these days? Everything from professing love for their schnauzer, to what college(s) they went to. People really like speaking from the back of their cars. Anyway, I digress. What was I talking about?
Back in Richmond, VA. That's right. Lots of house work and catching up with good friends and family. Lots of eating out at some of the many incredible restaurants Richmond has to offer. I am still amazed at how many great restaurants are here. Not the chain restaurants that accompany those quaint big box plazas of the suburbs. No, I'm talking about all of the little spots you never know are there unless you either stumble upon them or have them recommended by a friend. Cuban, Indian, Greek, Italian, Vegetarian. The list goes on. So many unique places to eat here.
After getting to catch up on some mountain biking, friends, family, and eating out. Kim and I do what we enjoy a lot, cooking at home and eating together. She is such an incredible cook. I don't know how many new recipes she has created from whatever she can mix together, but it has to be close to a hundred. She is becoming famous for her 'pantry specials'.
I wish I could say I've been able to get out and see all of my friends, but I have been having a crazy week at work and with tons to do around the house, I didn't even realize it was Friday. Between doctor's appointments, oil changes, cutting grass, getting ready for a wedding shoot, helping with the yard sale tomorrow morning, getting the house back together, and everything else there hasn't been enough time for socializing. Hence, no blog posts.
I did manage to find time to show Kim some basic photography skills this evening. She loved the fact that now, I am the model. So many times she has endured me practicing as she is the model.
She will be assisting me at the wedding this weekend. I wanted to be able to put a camera in her hand and know she is comfortable with it. Her eye for composition and her talent as an artist makes her a natural photographer. All she needs is a little nudge on the technical end of the practice. So I am excited to see what she captures tomorrow.
Well, off to bed for me. It is late and we have an early yard sale to set up in the morning. Not to mention a little wedding photography for the better part of the day.
Aloha.
For one, our water heater died. Two, the downstairs heat pump fan stopped working, the outdoor shower plumbing failed. Oh, and two outside electrical outlets are dead. Really? I thought we were done with this kind of stuff after selling our old houses. Ah, home ownership. Makes you want to rent again, eh?
With Kim having to take care of the house issues, juggle her demanding job, shuttle herself back and forth between Hatteras and Richmond, she is just about done. I can't say I blame her either. She has been able to take care of most of the problems, but it was high time that I came back and helped her out. I think she was over hearing how much surfing and kiting I was doing while she played the grown up. So I took her mountain biking. Well with 30 of our close friends.
I have to say, I missed good 'ol Richmond. Nothing like sitting in traffic staring at the back of an overgrown SUV with stickers plastered all over it like they are a sponsored athlete. What is up with the stickers on cars these days? Everything from professing love for their schnauzer, to what college(s) they went to. People really like speaking from the back of their cars. Anyway, I digress. What was I talking about?
Back in Richmond, VA. That's right. Lots of house work and catching up with good friends and family. Lots of eating out at some of the many incredible restaurants Richmond has to offer. I am still amazed at how many great restaurants are here. Not the chain restaurants that accompany those quaint big box plazas of the suburbs. No, I'm talking about all of the little spots you never know are there unless you either stumble upon them or have them recommended by a friend. Cuban, Indian, Greek, Italian, Vegetarian. The list goes on. So many unique places to eat here.
After getting to catch up on some mountain biking, friends, family, and eating out. Kim and I do what we enjoy a lot, cooking at home and eating together. She is such an incredible cook. I don't know how many new recipes she has created from whatever she can mix together, but it has to be close to a hundred. She is becoming famous for her 'pantry specials'.
I wish I could say I've been able to get out and see all of my friends, but I have been having a crazy week at work and with tons to do around the house, I didn't even realize it was Friday. Between doctor's appointments, oil changes, cutting grass, getting ready for a wedding shoot, helping with the yard sale tomorrow morning, getting the house back together, and everything else there hasn't been enough time for socializing. Hence, no blog posts.
I did manage to find time to show Kim some basic photography skills this evening. She loved the fact that now, I am the model. So many times she has endured me practicing as she is the model.
Well, off to bed for me. It is late and we have an early yard sale to set up in the morning. Not to mention a little wedding photography for the better part of the day.
Aloha.
Tropical Storm Danny
With our latest storm sitting right off the coast here in Cape Hatteras, the expectations for severe weather have actually waned just a bit. Orignially, the storm predictions estimated the disturbance progressing into as high as a Category 2 hurricaine with chances of a direct hit to the Outer Banks areas. Things are still moody and rough, but not severe.
The storm has failed to strengthen into any appreciable threat. Unless you plan to enter the water. Of course, as wind/water junkies we (Kim, myself, and most of our friends) we fully intent to enter the water. All of the current warnings are for moderate to high rip current threat. The wind will not get much over 40mph and the storm swell is somewhere around 10 feet. Perfect conditions for 'playing in the water'.
About the only rideable location for the SE winds today was the 'point' of Cape Hatteras. Yes. The little tip of land where the sandbar makes an almost 90 degree turn to the west and creates a south-facing shore. With the storm swell and wind direction kiters and wind surfers alike were taking advantage of what little riding there was. The waves were very disorganized and sloppy. Part of me was itching to get wet and ride the waves, but the other 99% of me was not in much of a hurry to get out there.
I was happy hanging out on the beach with my cameras and friends to watch as most of the kiters eventually slipped further and further downwind until they walked back up the beach. Besides, I'm saving my energy.
With the wind direction predicted tomorrow it should make for nice surfing. So it is off to bed for me... I need my rest. I haven't been this tired for this many days since performing long range patrols as a young Marine.
Aloha.
The storm has failed to strengthen into any appreciable threat. Unless you plan to enter the water. Of course, as wind/water junkies we (Kim, myself, and most of our friends) we fully intent to enter the water. All of the current warnings are for moderate to high rip current threat. The wind will not get much over 40mph and the storm swell is somewhere around 10 feet. Perfect conditions for 'playing in the water'.
If the wind direction turns, as is expected, to an offshore direction the surf should be quite nice for the next day as the swell peaks - it is mushy and blown out today. After surfing too many days in a row, and sometimes multiple times a day over the past 10 days, today was a much needed break. The waves were out there, but it was not as well organized and clean as I prefer. Yes I'm getting picky.
Towards the end of the day today the wind started to come up to a level high enough for kiteboarding. I decided not to go out as the predictions called for somewhat drastic changes to the direction and velocity. Besides, just looking at the stormy skies I could predict less than favorable conditions for kiting.
About the only rideable location for the SE winds today was the 'point' of Cape Hatteras. Yes. The little tip of land where the sandbar makes an almost 90 degree turn to the west and creates a south-facing shore. With the storm swell and wind direction kiters and wind surfers alike were taking advantage of what little riding there was. The waves were very disorganized and sloppy. Part of me was itching to get wet and ride the waves, but the other 99% of me was not in much of a hurry to get out there.
I was happy hanging out on the beach with my cameras and friends to watch as most of the kiters eventually slipped further and further downwind until they walked back up the beach. Besides, I'm saving my energy.
With the wind direction predicted tomorrow it should make for nice surfing. So it is off to bed for me... I need my rest. I haven't been this tired for this many days since performing long range patrols as a young Marine.
Aloha.
Surf and Photography
Two recurring themes at my new home away from home. Surf and Photography. I have been fortunate enough to have an abundance of both lately.
Some of our friends were already in the water and others showed up as we were surfing. The surfing was a fun little wave about chest-high. Kim managed to paddle out through the break which is a big accomplishment for any aspiring surfer. I have always said surfing was the hardest sport I ever learned, and I participate in a lot of steep-learning-curve sports. So to see her progressing is pretty awesome.
Aloha.
I have always admired photographer's work of the local area. I know a few that are practicing their trade sucessfully and their work is quite inspiring. Now, for myself, having the chance to shoot on Hatteras Island is something I really didn't fully appreciate until spending so much time here. Before moving here I would always bring my camera gear on our weekend trips and make myself shoot at least a few shots each day I visited.
However, there is nothing like being in the right place at the right time in order to get a nice shot. With me spending so much time on the island my odds of getting what I consider a nice shot has gone up dramatically. Today, while out for an evening surf after work with Kim and some friends I made sure to bring one of my cameras to the beach. I had a feeling I would find something interesting to shoot after my surf session.
Some of our friends were already in the water and others showed up as we were surfing. The surfing was a fun little wave about chest-high. Kim managed to paddle out through the break which is a big accomplishment for any aspiring surfer. I have always said surfing was the hardest sport I ever learned, and I participate in a lot of steep-learning-curve sports. So to see her progressing is pretty awesome.
As the surf died I came in to shore and pulled out my camera and sarted looking for material to unfold before me. It is amazing how much you can find when you start looking for it, and here, you really don't have to look hard.
After all of the years visiting this area, I am still amazed at the stunning sunsets. Never are two the same, and I never get tired of looking at them.
Aloha.
Surf, Surf, and more Surf
The past week or so on Hatteras Island has been a great time for playing on the water. With Hurricaine Bill passing by and sending some beautiful waves our way, and the nice dose of winds that have blown through on an almost daily basis, I have been surfing and kiting just about as much as I can stand.
Today, I surfed at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The swell was anywhere from chest high to 1-2 feet overhead. A very fun wave. Here I am dropping into a baby wave - last ride of the day.
As I write this, I have a head full of salt water and bloodshot eyes... Souveniers from another awesome day of surfing. Today has rounded out my run of surfing 6 of the past 8 days. A few of those days I surfed twice a day. Others, I was surfing and kiting in the same day. It is a tough job, but someone gets to do it.
We only had one day of surf that was crazy-high. Thankfully, the other days were more normal. The waves were anywhere from knee high early in the week to well overhead towards the end of the week, but not quite what we call double-overhead - or, even triple-overhead.
Until this weekend. Saturday.
When waves get as big as they were this past Saturday it starts to become very tricky to paddle into the wave and catch it for a ride. This is where motorized assistance comes in. A technique called tow-in surfing is when a JetSki pulls the surfer along until the surfer can use the speed generated by the JetSki to 'drop in' to the wave and successfully ride.
I am quite thankful the waves were 'ginormous' for only one day. For that one day, I happily sat on the shore and deployed my photography equipment to capture some of the phenomenal action directly offshore. My surf photography is not something I get to practice very often, so I was thrilled when Kim and I spotted two skis towing surfers into waves yesterday.
Back when I started surfing (too many years ago to mention) I found myself paddling into quite a few storm swells here in the Outer Banks, so I have enormous respect for the kind of heavy water these guys were playing with. Never did I attempt to paddle into triple-overhead though. Of notable mention, there were paddle surfers out in the waves catching rides on Saturday.
Aloha.
Today, I surfed at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The swell was anywhere from chest high to 1-2 feet overhead. A very fun wave. Here I am dropping into a baby wave - last ride of the day.
As I write this, I have a head full of salt water and bloodshot eyes... Souveniers from another awesome day of surfing. Today has rounded out my run of surfing 6 of the past 8 days. A few of those days I surfed twice a day. Others, I was surfing and kiting in the same day. It is a tough job, but someone gets to do it.
Now, about the business of the storm swell Bill sent our way. Last week, the surf starting building to a crescendo of waves hitting the shores this weekend at somewhere around 20 feet or so. All week leading up to the weekend you could feel the energy in the air and people were buzzing with anticipation. The roads were jammed with people entering and leaving the narrow island.
Until this weekend. Saturday.
When waves get as big as they were this past Saturday it starts to become very tricky to paddle into the wave and catch it for a ride. This is where motorized assistance comes in. A technique called tow-in surfing is when a JetSki pulls the surfer along until the surfer can use the speed generated by the JetSki to 'drop in' to the wave and successfully ride.
I am quite thankful the waves were 'ginormous' for only one day. For that one day, I happily sat on the shore and deployed my photography equipment to capture some of the phenomenal action directly offshore. My surf photography is not something I get to practice very often, so I was thrilled when Kim and I spotted two skis towing surfers into waves yesterday.
Back when I started surfing (too many years ago to mention) I found myself paddling into quite a few storm swells here in the Outer Banks, so I have enormous respect for the kind of heavy water these guys were playing with. Never did I attempt to paddle into triple-overhead though. Of notable mention, there were paddle surfers out in the waves catching rides on Saturday.
Aloha.
Gone Surfing...
Yeah, many of my friends and family have wondered where I ran off to recently. No blog posts. No emails. Not even a text message from me. Well, I have been stranded on a small island.
That isn't exactly true, but close... I took a job in Cape Hatteras, NC. As most who know me know I like to play, a lot, and Kim and I do much of our playing on the sandbar known as Cape Hatteras.
As the story goes, I have been coming to this island for 40 years now. It started with me at 6 months old and my parents kayaking from island to island freely camping. I don't know all the details, but the story suggests that I (as in all of us) almost didn't make it back due to typical storm conditions for around here. Since then, learning to surf here as a young Marine helped solidify my bond with this area. Kiteboarding has taken over and now I have the opportunity to spend even more time here for my career.
I was lucky enough to find a position with a local kiteboarding company, REAL Watersports in Waves, NC, who has crossed over into surfing and stand up paddle boarding. The atmosphere, the people, and the mission of the company make it a great place to work and make part of my life. As a long-time surfer and now kiteboarder this is an awesome way to continue (and further) my career - and yes, have a teeny bit of fun while I'm at it.
Since taking the job on July 16th I have spent a lot of time on the water as well as behind my desk. The job is demanding but the rewards are commiserate. The job description is Technology Manager. A new direction for my career. A lot of things are new to me and I am enjoying the challenge of learning new areas of the Information Technology industry. I will primarily be working from Richmond, VA but during the beginning I am spending a lot of my time ramping up at the office.
So my lifelong dream of becoming a surf bum is finally being realized. Kim and I have a 'cozy' little camper parked at a marina where things feel just like home. It is a bit tough sometimes with Kim being back and forth between Richmond. However, as I start to work from Richmond more we should be able to develop a manageable schedule.
To date, things have been a little hectic for Kim and I. Setting up some sort of domicile on the island, taking the new job, being apart, keeping our house in Richmond going, meeting new friends. It all adds up. Luckily, at the end of the day we have each other and get to go surfing, or kiteboarding, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, or having a sushi picnic on the beach enjoying a beautiful sunset.
Thanks and much love to Kim for being the amazing wife I am still wondering how I deserve. She has done so much to make this happen. Always supportive of me, and enjoying the lifestyle we built for ourselves as much as I do.
Aloha.
That isn't exactly true, but close... I took a job in Cape Hatteras, NC. As most who know me know I like to play, a lot, and Kim and I do much of our playing on the sandbar known as Cape Hatteras.
As the story goes, I have been coming to this island for 40 years now. It started with me at 6 months old and my parents kayaking from island to island freely camping. I don't know all the details, but the story suggests that I (as in all of us) almost didn't make it back due to typical storm conditions for around here. Since then, learning to surf here as a young Marine helped solidify my bond with this area. Kiteboarding has taken over and now I have the opportunity to spend even more time here for my career.
I was lucky enough to find a position with a local kiteboarding company, REAL Watersports in Waves, NC, who has crossed over into surfing and stand up paddle boarding. The atmosphere, the people, and the mission of the company make it a great place to work and make part of my life. As a long-time surfer and now kiteboarder this is an awesome way to continue (and further) my career - and yes, have a teeny bit of fun while I'm at it.
Since taking the job on July 16th I have spent a lot of time on the water as well as behind my desk. The job is demanding but the rewards are commiserate. The job description is Technology Manager. A new direction for my career. A lot of things are new to me and I am enjoying the challenge of learning new areas of the Information Technology industry. I will primarily be working from Richmond, VA but during the beginning I am spending a lot of my time ramping up at the office.
So my lifelong dream of becoming a surf bum is finally being realized. Kim and I have a 'cozy' little camper parked at a marina where things feel just like home. It is a bit tough sometimes with Kim being back and forth between Richmond. However, as I start to work from Richmond more we should be able to develop a manageable schedule.
To date, things have been a little hectic for Kim and I. Setting up some sort of domicile on the island, taking the new job, being apart, keeping our house in Richmond going, meeting new friends. It all adds up. Luckily, at the end of the day we have each other and get to go surfing, or kiteboarding, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, or having a sushi picnic on the beach enjoying a beautiful sunset.
Thanks and much love to Kim for being the amazing wife I am still wondering how I deserve. She has done so much to make this happen. Always supportive of me, and enjoying the lifestyle we built for ourselves as much as I do.
Aloha.